Combination of sequences of cell Divisions in the anther wall formation in Solanaceae species

Abstract

Anther wall formation was studied in six Solanaceae species (Bouchetia anomala, Capsicum tovari, Margaranthus solanaceus, Physalis viscosa, Withania adpressa, and Withania riebeckii). Combinations of at least three different sequences of cell divisions were observed in the same species, even in the same microsporangium. These data contrast with the general idea that each species shows a single pattern or type of wall formation. The mentioned co-occurrence of cell divisions evidences the close affinity of the anther wall formation types, and the thin boundary between them. This co-occurrence also reveals different cell abilities and some kind of convergence, since two neighbour cells may go through different sequences of divisions but originate the same wall structure (= number of layers).